James Madison’s bid for undefeated season comes to an end after OT loss to Appalachian State

James Madison suffered a 26-23 overtime home loss to Appalachian State Saturday, ending the Dukes’ bid at an undefeated season following a 10-0 start. Mountaineers quarterback Joey Aguilar connected with receiver Kaedin Robinson for a walk-off, 8-yard touchdown after JMU was held to a field goal on the opening possession of overtime, sending 10-point underdog Appalachian State home a winner.

Appalachian State led 17-5 early in the fourth quarter before JMU rallied to the tie the game in the final minute of regulation. The Dukes cut the deficit to two on an 11-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Jordan McCloud to wide receiver Elijah Sarratt with 57 seconds to play before the duo connected again on a 2-point conversion attempt that knotted the game at 20-20. Alas, JMU was unable to complete the comeback.

JMU’s success in 2023 has been a point of contention as the season enters the stretch run. The Dukes are still inside their two-year transition period required by the NCAA for schools that make the jump from the FCS to the FBS. As a result, JMU is not allowed to participate in postseason play until the 2024 season. The Dukes also cannot compete for a Sun Belt championship or appear in the College Football Playoff Rankings during the transition period. 

Earlier in the week he NCAA Division I Board Administration Committee denied a postseason eligibility waiver that would have allowed JMU to bypass that rule. Waivers were also denied for Jacksonville State and Tarleton State in the ruling. 

JMU found immediate success during its FBS debut in 2022, finishing 8-3. The Dukes had been regular contenders during the closing years of their time in the FCS, reaching the playoffs every season from 2014-21 and winning the NCAA Division I Championship in 2016.